BMW M3 and M4 - The Icons
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
home
G80 BMW M3 and M4 General Topics BMW M3 (G80), M4 (G82), CSL and 3.0 CSL General Forum

View Poll Results: DCT or traditional AT?
I prefer a DCT. 235 60.57%
I prefer a traditional AT. 32 8.25%
Either is fine with me. 53 13.66%
I don't care. No manual, no purchase. 68 17.53%
Voters: 388. You may not vote on this poll

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      05-12-2020, 05:31 PM   #265
R N M
Colonel
R N M's Avatar
3620
Rep
2,048
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2016 BMW M3  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by AlejoEvo View Post
The car is running really well in the video. I think we will not be dissatisfied or disappointed with the automatic transmission.

BTW, isn't the M8 automatic? And I saw a video of an M8 in a track and I loved what I saw!
If automatics were better - don’t you think Porsche and Ferrari would be using them? DCT will always be faster but auto will be better when sitting in traffic.
Its pure cost cutting by BMW.
Appreciate 2
      05-12-2020, 06:34 PM   #266
Flamingi
First Lieutenant
Germany
530
Rep
359
Posts

Drives: M550d F11, 225xe U06
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Munich

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by R N M View Post
If automatics were better - don’t you think Porsche and Ferrari would be using them? DCT will always be faster but auto will be better when sitting in traffic.
Its pure cost cutting by BMW.
It's not cost cutting. It's delivering what about 99% of the people want. How many of M3/M4 do you think see a track in their lifetime, let alone on a regular basis? Yes, a DCT would result in better lap times, but those cars will still be on a regular road with bumper to bumper traffic the vast majority of the time and the converter auto will be much better suited for this use case. I can assure you, they did think about which auto to put into the M3, but in the end it is as always with companies: They don't care about your (individual) feeling, they don't care too much about heritage or whatever bs, the only thing that matters is money. If they predict they will sell more cars by going with a converter auto than loosing sales from some people that want to track the car, you sure can bet they will put a converter auto into the M3. And if it's cheaper for BMW to do so, that's even better!
Appreciate 2
xlover2191.00
      05-12-2020, 06:57 PM   #267
GeorgeA
Major
GeorgeA's Avatar
United_States
755
Rep
1,408
Posts

Drives: E92 M3
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flamingi View Post
It's not cost cutting. It's delivering what about 99% of the people want. How many of M3/M4 do you think see a track in their lifetime, let alone on a regular basis? Yes, a DCT would result in better lap times, but those cars will still be on a regular road with bumper to bumper traffic the vast majority of the time and the converter auto will be much better suited for this use case. I can assure you, they did think about which auto to put into the M3, but in the end it is as always with companies: They don't care about your (individual) feeling, they don't care too much about heritage or whatever bs, the only thing that matters is money. If they predict they will sell more cars by going with a converter auto than loosing sales from some people that want to track the car, you sure can bet they will put a converter auto into the M3. And if it's cheaper for BMW to do so, that's even better!
I disagree with you on this. BMW has loyal fans and the M3 is a product with a high standard and reputation. The little amount of cost cutting associated with this move will hurt the company's reputation on the long run. As someone who owns and enjoys DCT vehicles, I would not purchase an Auto. I will be forced to buy a manual (which I am not complaining about) but it's sad to see BMW go soft on this issue. The 8 speed is a great automatic, but it is nowhere as good as the DCT. M cars have a standard just like Porsche, and DCT should remain in these vehicles.
Appreciate 4
      05-12-2020, 07:52 PM   #268
Flamingi
First Lieutenant
Germany
530
Rep
359
Posts

Drives: M550d F11, 225xe U06
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Munich

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by GeorgeA View Post
I disagree with you on this. BMW has loyal fans and the M3 is a product with a high standard and reputation. The little amount of cost cutting associated with this move will hurt the company's reputation on the long run. As someone who owns and enjoys DCT vehicles, I would not purchase an Auto. I will be forced to buy a manual (which I am not complaining about) but it's sad to see BMW go soft on this issue. The 8 speed is a great automatic, but it is nowhere as good as the DCT. M cars have a standard just like Porsche, and DCT should remain in these vehicles.
The M3 will retain this high standard, after all the G80 will be better in pretty much any aspect than the F80, and I don't think there is any reputation to hold for the DCT transmission. To be honest, I think the DCT in the F82 is utter trash. Not on the track, there it is brilliant (or well, at least better than on the road, not quite on the level of PDK), but like I said before, 99% of people (me included) drive this car on the road to work and back and the ocasional joy ride on a weekend. I did enjoy my laps on the Nürburgring, and there the DCT was the best option to go for, but that transmission was such a downgrade for daily driving, that I traded the car in after 6 months. Overall I don't think there will be any long lasting effects, in contrary I even think the G80 will be more successfull with a converter auto than the DCT.

The group of people who care about the DCT is a very, very small minority and I'm pretty sure they are outnumbered by the group who prefers a converter auto and 95% of the people will probably just not care or know any difference.
Appreciate 2
flanast148.50
      05-12-2020, 09:23 PM   #269
R N M
Colonel
R N M's Avatar
3620
Rep
2,048
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2016 BMW M3  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flamingi View Post
The M3 will retain this high standard, after all the G80 will be better in pretty much any aspect than the F80, and I don't think there is any reputation to hold for the DCT transmission. To be honest, I think the DCT in the F82 is utter trash. Not on the track, there it is brilliant (or well, at least better than on the road, not quite on the level of PDK), but like I said before, 99% of people (me included) drive this car on the road to work and back and the ocasional joy ride on a weekend. I did enjoy my laps on the Nürburgring, and there the DCT was the best option to go for, but that transmission was such a downgrade for daily driving, that I traded the car in after 6 months. Overall I don't think there will be any long lasting effects, in contrary I even think the G80 will be more successfull with a converter auto than the DCT.

The group of people who care about the DCT is a very, very small minority and I'm pretty sure they are outnumbered by the group who prefers a converter auto and 95% of the people will probably just not care or know any difference.
So basically you bought the wrong car. You sit in traffic 99% of the time then buy a car for that purpose bec M3s shouldn’t be used for that. They should be first for Performance driving but also still serve as commuter car. I’m sure you complain how uncomfortable the suspension is over potholes.

M cars should be for the minority that want ultimate performance. If you want auto buy M340i. This is just watered down M car. Whats next no more widebody lol

I wish BMW would copy Porsche- build a car for the masses (911) but then offer a raw performance version a la GT3/GT3RS.
Appreciate 9
kyrix1st2350.50
pbar1380.50
stein_325i25051.00
Flamingi529.50
dmboone254970.50
GeorgeA755.00
      05-12-2020, 09:23 PM   #270
kyrix1st
Colonel
kyrix1st's Avatar
2351
Rep
2,359
Posts

Drives: G87 M2; E92M3 MT&DCT; M3 euro
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: nyc

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2004 BMW Z4  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flamingi View Post
The M3 will retain this high standard, after all the G80 will be better in pretty much any aspect than the F80, and I don't think there is any reputation to hold for the DCT transmission. To be honest, I think the DCT in the F82 is utter trash. Not on the track, there it is brilliant (or well, at least better than on the road, not quite on the level of PDK), but like I said before, 99% of people (me included) drive this car on the road to work and back and the ocasional joy ride on a weekend. I did enjoy my laps on the Nürburgring, and there the DCT was the best option to go for, but that transmission was such a downgrade for daily driving, that I traded the car in after 6 months. Overall I don't think there will be any long lasting effects, in contrary I even think the G80 will be more successfull with a converter auto than the DCT.

The group of people who care about the DCT is a very, very small minority and I'm pretty sure they are outnumbered by the group who prefers a converter auto and 95% of the people will probably just not care or know any difference.
Albert Biermann who was with M since E30 M3 left the division when the board decided not to use DCT on F90 M5, presumably because he understood this was not about the brand not using a particular element but also their reluctance to pioneer motorsport spirit on which the subbrand was founded.
VW doesn't touch Porsche GT division or Lamborghini with their car developments because they understand strong, loyal enthusiast pool is what kept the brand identity.

If BMW M is a mere "exaggeration" of BMWs instead of a separate entity like Markus Flasch said, that's fine. But they should stop referring back to old DTM cars that made them successful because M isn't making street legal DTM cars with their recent products. It is misleading to customers.
__________________
Pass me if you can.
Appreciate 3
stein_325i25051.00
SYT_Shadow11421.00
      05-12-2020, 10:33 PM   #271
PLF69
Colonel
PLF69's Avatar
3763
Rep
2,700
Posts

Drives: 2023 M3
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Quebec

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by GeorgeA View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flamingi View Post
It's not cost cutting. It's delivering what about 99% of the people want. How many of M3/M4 do you think see a track in their lifetime, let alone on a regular basis? Yes, a DCT would result in better lap times, but those cars will still be on a regular road with bumper to bumper traffic the vast majority of the time and the converter auto will be much better suited for this use case. I can assure you, they did think about which auto to put into the M3, but in the end it is as always with companies: They don't care about your (individual) feeling, they don't care too much about heritage or whatever bs, the only thing that matters is money. If they predict they will sell more cars by going with a converter auto than loosing sales from some people that want to track the car, you sure can bet they will put a converter auto into the M3. And if it's cheaper for BMW to do so, that's even better!
I disagree with you on this. BMW has loyal fans and the M3 is a product with a high standard and reputation. The little amount of cost cutting associated with this move will hurt the company's reputation on the long run. As someone who owns and enjoys DCT vehicles, I would not purchase an Auto. I will be forced to buy a manual (which I am not complaining about) but it's sad to see BMW go soft on this issue. The 8 speed is a great automatic, but it is nowhere as good as the DCT. M cars have a standard just like Porsche, and DCT should remain in these vehicles.
Your totally kidding yourself if you think BMW isn't there for the $$.

I think it was cool we got 2 generation of M cars (+ 1gen M2) with a DCT but BMW moving to those quick shifting zf's is not surprising me at all. ZF sells so many of these I would not be surprised they will be saving a considerable amount of $ on every car.

As for M heritage, we are already far from it with electric steering, turbo engines with 500hp etc. Even long time 911 owners say the 997 is the last one that 'feels' like the all time famed 911.

It's easy to observate how BMW went from special Motorsports derived regular series cars to M marketing money making models, the first X5M is proof they understood this a while ago and they continue building on it.

Oh and yeah, they absolutely don't care what you think unless it has do to with buying a new car from them.
__________________
Fun/HPDE: 2023 M3 6MT Individual Malachite
Past:2023 M4 CSL, 2022 M4C Vert, 2020 M340i, 2018 M2, 2015 M235i, 2008 135i 550whp
Daily: 2023 X5 45e
Daily/Family: 2021 Atlas Cross Sport 3.6
Appreciate 1
Flamingi529.50
      05-12-2020, 11:00 PM   #272
weingarm
Captain
weingarm's Avatar
847
Rep
698
Posts

Drives: M3
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: NY

iTrader: (0)

It's funny, the F90 M5 forum had (and still has) the same discussion about the loss of the DCT in the F10 M5 and the move to the ZF in the F90 M5.

I own an F90 M5. Let's face it, the ZF covers all the bases (track, highway, commuting, traffic, stop and go city grind) better than the DCT. And BMW is in the business of selling cars with the highest profit possible. So M cars get ZFs. Can you blame them?

That said, I'll take my next M car with a 6-speed manual. G80 M3 Pure please.
__________________
2023 M3: Isle of Man Green
2021 X7 40i: Phytonic Blue
Appreciate 1
Frosty772.50
      05-12-2020, 11:43 PM   #273
pbar
Captain
pbar's Avatar
1381
Rep
756
Posts

Drives: 992 GTS, Tesla M3P
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: San Francisco

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by R N M View Post
So basically you bought the wrong car. You sit in traffic 99% of the time then buy a car for that purpose bec M3s shouldn’t be used for that. They should be first for Performance driving but also still serve as commuter car. I’m sure you complain how uncomfortable the suspension is over potholes.

M cars should be for the minority that want ultimate performance. If you want auto buy M340i. This is just watered down M car. Whats next no more widebody lol

I wish BMW would copy Porsche- build a car for the masses (911) but then offer a raw performance version a la GT3/GT3RS.
100% agree. Fed up of hearing people who buy a 'motorsport inspired' car and then complain about the suspension not being soft enough and the transmission being raw.

Reminds me of the Top Gear episode where James May showed up for a 1000 mile road trip across some country in a 911 GT3 RS and Clarkson/Hammond fell about laughing saying "you brought the wrong car". 200 miles later he was dripping with sweat and cursing every time the car hit a pothole.

I will totally take that tradeoff. I am even happy daily driving a car with an "automated manual" sequential gearbox because it brings a smile to my face every time. There are one or two things I don't like about the M-DCT (e.g. lack of clutch control reversing up a hill to parallel park), but saying that "it's total trash" because you bought the wrong car just makes me laugh.

...and cry. Because BMW's marketing people listen to crap like that.

I've said this before, but I really think that BMW should make the M340i the most expensive model in the range. (just add $10K to the price!). That way certain folks will be able to buy it and be happy, rather than buying an M and being sad.

Last edited by pbar; 05-12-2020 at 11:57 PM..
Appreciate 6
ra2289302.00
wfdeacon881102.50
SYT_Shadow11421.00
Mavus2014.50
      05-13-2020, 07:16 AM   #274
Flamingi
First Lieutenant
Germany
530
Rep
359
Posts

Drives: M550d F11, 225xe U06
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Munich

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by R N M View Post
So basically you bought the wrong car. You sit in traffic 99% of the time then buy a car for that purpose bec M3s shouldn’t be used for that. They should be first for Performance driving but also still serve as commuter car. I’m sure you complain how uncomfortable the suspension is over potholes.

M cars should be for the minority that want ultimate performance. If you want auto buy M340i. This is just watered down M car. Whats next no more widebody lol

I wish BMW would copy Porsche- build a car for the masses (911) but then offer a raw performance version a la GT3/GT3RS.
I agree, the M3 would be the wrong car, if it was like you want it to be. But it isn't like you want it to be, it will not have a DCT. People are buying the car not based on what they want the car to be, what the car should have been or what the heritage dictates, but based on what the car is. And this car will have a converter auto and this is why it will be the right car, even for bumper to bumper traffic. The problem is, that nobody will buy the car, except for a very small minority, if the car was how you want it to be: Radical, DCT, track focused, hard suspension setup etc.

BMW is still a company, and the only thing that matters is $$$. They will sell so much more cars if going with a more road focused car than a track focused car. If you want track, you can still buy the M4 GT4, all the things you want and even more. The G80 is a road legal car, 99% of the time it will be on a road and it is not suprising at all, that BMW went with the converter auto. And to be fair, the ZF 8-speed is the best one available today, you're not loosing much compared to last gen DCT while gaining a load of comfort, which is what pretty much everyone outside this forum wants. You have to remember, this forum has a skewed view, of course you will find many more people here that would want to have a DCT, but believe me when I say BMW did listen to their customers and they did what their customers wanted: a converter auto. Probably in breach of my NDA now, but do you know what the #1 complaint was about the M3/M4? It was the transmission.

And if you argue, that M is special, they don't care about money or sales numbers. No that's wrong, why do you think does M have more SUVs than sports cars? Why do you think the X3 is the most sold M car? If you want to understand the decision of a company on why they did something the way they did, I can guarantee you 99% of the time $$$ was the most important factor for that decision.

Last edited by Flamingi; 05-13-2020 at 07:28 AM..
Appreciate 1
BBoyM367.00
      05-13-2020, 08:08 AM   #275
Frosty
Colonel
Frosty's Avatar
773
Rep
2,634
Posts

Drives: M240i - 2021 - 6MT -
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Northern NJ

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by weingarm View Post
It's funny, the F90 M5 forum had (and still has) the same discussion about the loss of the DCT in the F10 M5 and the move to the ZF in the F90 M5.

I own an F90 M5. Let's face it, the ZF covers all the bases (track, highway, commuting, traffic, stop and go city grind) better than the DCT. And BMW is in the business of selling cars with the highest profit possible. So M cars get ZFs. Can you blame them?

That said, I'll take my next M car with a 6-speed manual. G80 M3 Pure please.
..hear hear ... M4 6MT Pure for me please
__________________
M240i Coupe (6MT) (2021: 6/2021 build )
Accord Coupe (6MT) (2017)
335i Coupe (6MT) (2007: 9/06 build SOLD 8/2016)
Prelude (5MT) (1995)
Appreciate 1
JTO245246.50
      05-13-2020, 08:28 AM   #276
AlejoEvo
Private First Class
70
Rep
153
Posts

Drives: 2017 BMW M3
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Puerto Rico

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by R N M View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by AlejoEvo View Post
The car is running really well in the video. I think we will not be dissatisfied or disappointed with the automatic transmission.

BTW, isn't the M8 automatic? And I saw a video of an M8 in a track and I loved what I saw!
If automatics were better - don’t you think Porsche and Ferrari would be using them? DCT will always be faster but auto will be better when sitting in traffic.
Its pure cost cutting by BMW.
Never said it was better than DCT, what I meant is that it can be efficient as a transmission. If BMW is going the automatic way, is because many people complain about the clunking and sounds the DCT makes when in operation, which triggers this kind of decisions.

DCT may be faster, but many people don't notice it, or never get in position to get this advantage to work.

I love my DCT and I have learned to work around and the S55 attached to it. I'll wait and see what the next M3/4 brings.
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2020, 09:23 AM   #277
R N M
Colonel
R N M's Avatar
3620
Rep
2,048
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2016 BMW M3  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flamingi View Post
I agree, the M3 would be the wrong car, if it was like you want it to be. But it isn't like you want it to be, it will not have a DCT. People are buying the car not based on what they want the car to be, what the car should have been or what the heritage dictates, but based on what the car is. And this car will have a converter auto and this is why it will be the right car, even for bumper to bumper traffic. The problem is, that nobody will buy the car, except for a very small minority, if the car was how you want it to be: Radical, DCT, track focused, hard suspension setup etc.

BMW is still a company, and the only thing that matters is $$$. They will sell so much more cars if going with a more road focused car than a track focused car. If you want track, you can still buy the M4 GT4, all the things you want and even more. The G80 is a road legal car, 99% of the time it will be on a road and it is not suprising at all, that BMW went with the converter auto. And to be fair, the ZF 8-speed is the best one available today, you're not loosing much compared to last gen DCT while gaining a load of comfort, which is what pretty much everyone outside this forum wants. You have to remember, this forum has a skewed view, of course you will find many more people here that would want to have a DCT, but believe me when I say BMW did listen to their customers and they did what their customers wanted: a converter auto. Probably in breach of my NDA now, but do you know what the #1 complaint was about the M3/M4? It was the transmission.

And if you argue, that M is special, they don't care about money or sales numbers. No that's wrong, why do you think does M have more SUVs than sports cars? Why do you think the X3 is the most sold M car? If you want to understand the decision of a company on why they did something the way they did, I can guarantee you 99% of the time $$$ was the most important factor for that decision.
Again you want a luxury car with a M badge to be a poseur because you don’t really want a Performance car. Thats well and good and unfortunately where all M cars are headed.

By doing this - BMW has watered down M cars and the prestige of that badge.
Basically the loyal enthusiasts that cultivated the M brand now need to suffer so the general public can comfortably sit in traffic and show off their M badge.

The point of M cars was for a small minority of buyers historically. It was only sold during some of the years of the regular models production cycle. Thats why those cars were special and sought after. The X model Ms are definitely not true M cars to me.

Last edited by R N M; 05-13-2020 at 09:28 AM..
Appreciate 6
Flamingi529.50
pbar1380.50
Mavus2014.50
      05-13-2020, 09:32 AM   #278
Flamingi
First Lieutenant
Germany
530
Rep
359
Posts

Drives: M550d F11, 225xe U06
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Munich

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by R N M View Post
Again you want a luxury car with a M badge to be a poseur because you don’t really want a Performance car. Thats well and good and unfortunately where all M cars are headed.
By doing this - BMW has watered down M cars and the prestige of that badge.
Basically the loyal enthusiasts that cultivated the M brand now need to suffer so the general public can comfortably sit in traffic and show off their M badge.
You are 100% correct with your statement. I just wanted to explain why BMW did this. I'm not for or against a DCT, frankly I don't really give a crap about that decision. Personally, I want a fast, but more luxury car and most people, just like me, give more priority to luxury than having a fast car on the track. An M550i would probably be the better choice compared to an M3. And more people in the target group = more sales = more $$$. And that's why BMW put a converter in the G80.

The problem is the word enthusiast. By the definition of it, it's a small group of people. Once upon a time, M did cater for these, but that's long gone, at least since the X5M was introduced.

Last edited by Flamingi; 05-13-2020 at 10:01 AM..
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2020, 12:54 PM   #279
AlejoEvo
Private First Class
70
Rep
153
Posts

Drives: 2017 BMW M3
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Puerto Rico

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by R N M View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flamingi View Post
I agree, the M3 would be the wrong car, if it was like you want it to be. But it isn't like you want it to be, it will not have a DCT. People are buying the car not based on what they want the car to be, what the car should have been or what the heritage dictates, but based on what the car is. And this car will have a converter auto and this is why it will be the right car, even for bumper to bumper traffic. The problem is, that nobody will buy the car, except for a very small minority, if the car was how you want it to be: Radical, DCT, track focused, hard suspension setup etc.

BMW is still a company, and the only thing that matters is $$$. They will sell so much more cars if going with a more road focused car than a track focused car. If you want track, you can still buy the M4 GT4, all the things you want and even more. The G80 is a road legal car, 99% of the time it will be on a road and it is not suprising at all, that BMW went with the converter auto. And to be fair, the ZF 8-speed is the best one available today, you're not loosing much compared to last gen DCT while gaining a load of comfort, which is what pretty much everyone outside this forum wants. You have to remember, this forum has a skewed view, of course you will find many more people here that would want to have a DCT, but believe me when I say BMW did listen to their customers and they did what their customers wanted: a converter auto. Probably in breach of my NDA now, but do you know what the #1 complaint was about the M3/M4? It was the transmission.

And if you argue, that M is special, they don't care about money or sales numbers. No that's wrong, why do you think does M have more SUVs than sports cars? Why do you think the X3 is the most sold M car? If you want to understand the decision of a company on why they did something the way they did, I can guarantee you 99% of the time $$$ was the most important factor for that decision.
Again you want a luxury car with a M badge to be a poseur because you don’t really want a Performance car. Thats well and good and unfortunately where all M cars are headed.

By doing this - BMW has watered down M cars and the prestige of that badge.
Basically the loyal enthusiasts that cultivated the M brand now need to suffer so the general public can comfortably sit in traffic and show off their M badge.

The point of M cars was for a small minority of buyers historically. It was only sold during some of the years of the regular models production cycle. Thats why those cars were special and sought after. The X model Ms are definitely not true M cars to me.
I understand your point, these days many people don't appreciate what an M car is supposed to be. The F80/82 is a great car, but is more recognized by the power of the S55 than from their handling character.

People want a car that can be fast on a straight line, than fast on the track.
Appreciate 1
stein_325i25051.00
      05-13-2020, 12:57 PM   #280
stein_325i
Ring Leader of G8X Haters
stein_325i's Avatar
No_Country
25051
Rep
8,761
Posts

Drives: A Car
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: All-Around

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by AlejoEvo View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by R N M View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flamingi View Post
I agree, the M3 would be the wrong car, if it was like you want it to be. But it isn't like you want it to be, it will not have a DCT. People are buying the car not based on what they want the car to be, what the car should have been or what the heritage dictates, but based on what the car is. And this car will have a converter auto and this is why it will be the right car, even for bumper to bumper traffic. The problem is, that nobody will buy the car, except for a very small minority, if the car was how you want it to be: Radical, DCT, track focused, hard suspension setup etc.

BMW is still a company, and the only thing that matters is $$$. They will sell so much more cars if going with a more road focused car than a track focused car. If you want track, you can still buy the M4 GT4, all the things you want and even more. The G80 is a road legal car, 99% of the time it will be on a road and it is not suprising at all, that BMW went with the converter auto. And to be fair, the ZF 8-speed is the best one available today, you're not loosing much compared to last gen DCT while gaining a load of comfort, which is what pretty much everyone outside this forum wants. You have to remember, this forum has a skewed view, of course you will find many more people here that would want to have a DCT, but believe me when I say BMW did listen to their customers and they did what their customers wanted: a converter auto. Probably in breach of my NDA now, but do you know what the #1 complaint was about the M3/M4? It was the transmission.

And if you argue, that M is special, they don't care about money or sales numbers. No that's wrong, why do you think does M have more SUVs than sports cars? Why do you think the X3 is the most sold M car? If you want to understand the decision of a company on why they did something the way they did, I can guarantee you 99% of the time $$$ was the most important factor for that decision.
Again you want a luxury car with a M badge to be a poseur because you don't really want a Performance car. Thats well and good and unfortunately where all M cars are headed.

By doing this - BMW has watered down M cars and the prestige of that badge.
Basically the loyal enthusiasts that cultivated the M brand now need to suffer so the general public can comfortably sit in traffic and show off their M badge.

The point of M cars was for a small minority of buyers historically. It was only sold during some of the years of the regular models production cycle. Thats why those cars were special and sought after. The X model Ms are definitely not true M cars to me.
I understand your point, these days many people don't appreciate what an M car is supposed to be. The F80/82 is a great car, but is more recognized by the power of the S55 than from their handling character.

People want a car that can be fast on a straight line, than fast on the track.
Horsepower wars are taking over
__________________
Current Garage: 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 / 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T / 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 350 / 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Retired: '95 E36 325i 5MT / '04 E46 330i 6MT / '05 E83 X3 3.0i / '11 E90 335xi / '17 G30 540i / '19 F87 M2C 6MT / '19 MB CLS 53 / '20 MB GLC 300
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2020, 02:03 PM   #281
pbar
Captain
pbar's Avatar
1381
Rep
756
Posts

Drives: 992 GTS, Tesla M3P
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: San Francisco

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by AlejoEvo View Post
People want a car that can be fast on a straight line, than fast on the track.
...and that can be driven with zero skill requirement.
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2020, 03:53 PM   #282
AlejoEvo
Private First Class
70
Rep
153
Posts

Drives: 2017 BMW M3
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Puerto Rico

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by pbar View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by AlejoEvo View Post
People want a car that can be fast on a straight line, than fast on the track.
...and that can be driven with zero skill requirement.
I forgot that!!

🤣🤣🤣
Appreciate 0
      05-14-2020, 07:01 AM   #283
kern417
Cheapskate
4442
Rep
4,992
Posts

Drives: 2018 440i |2016 340i | 2010 X5
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Cincinnati

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by R N M View Post
If automatics were better - don’t you think Porsche and Ferrari would be using them? DCT will always be faster but auto will be better when sitting in traffic.
Its pure cost cutting by BMW.
If DCT was better, would Koenigsegg use an automatic?
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by umizoomi View Post
As long as 3-pedals are an option, I will exercise my right to suffer the handicap and indignity of slower shifts and reaction times.
Youtube/Instagram/TikTok: @kern417
Appreciate 0
      05-27-2020, 11:54 PM   #284
kyrix1st
Colonel
kyrix1st's Avatar
2351
Rep
2,359
Posts

Drives: G87 M2; E92M3 MT&DCT; M3 euro
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: nyc

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2004 BMW Z4  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by mhjeep View Post
Here is my biggest concern. I am sure dynamically, the car will be better than the F8x platform. However, the design and looks may sink it. I remember when the F3x came out, people were fairly critical of the front headlights and grill. However, when the F8x was released, it was generally accepted with universal praise. I am not getting that feeling with the G8x. I hope I am wrong....for bmws sake.
They could put the hardest riding suspension possible and the most uncomfortable CFRP seats in G8x but it will still feel like a beefed up 3 series with that ZF8, less like an M3.
ZF8 doesn't match the character of rest of the car.

I don't know what BMW is trying to achieve by reducing character from the car other than cost cutting. It's going to be a nice BMW, but it's not M3.
__________________
Pass me if you can.
Appreciate 1
      05-28-2020, 12:46 AM   #285
BurnleyBimmer
Enlisted Member
BurnleyBimmer's Avatar
12
Rep
30
Posts

Drives: 340i
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Lancashire

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by kyrix1st View Post
They could put the hardest riding suspension possible and the most uncomfortable CFRP seats in G8x but it will still feel like a beefed up 3 series with that ZF8, less like an M3.
ZF8 doesn't match the character of rest of the car.

I don't know what BMW is trying to achieve by reducing character from the car other than cost cutting. It's going to be a nice BMW, but it's not M3.
I have no problem with the ZF box. It works great in the M5.
__________________
The
Appreciate 0
      05-28-2020, 01:10 AM   #286
moff
Colonel
moff's Avatar
United Kingdom
1361
Rep
2,495
Posts

Drives: X4M Competition
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Nottingham GB

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BurnleyBimmer View Post
I have no problem with the ZF box. It works great in the M5.
I've got it on my X3M and it's ok. I lacks the drama and fun of the DTC - it's just too German and 'efficient'. It's quick to change gear but there is no joker, noise or drama in the fastest change mode.

Don't get too excited.

The engine on the other hand with a stage 1 is epic.
__________________
Arrived! 2022 X4M Competition, SPY + Black Merino

Gone: 2019 X3M Competition, Toronto Red, Adelaide Grey.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:33 PM.




g80
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST